How Long After Bleaching Hair Can You Dye It?

by Editorial Staff | Updated on September 14th, 2023

If you’ve just bleached your hair or are considering a more drastic change, one question you might have is: How long after bleaching can you dye your hair? This question gets tossed around a lot, and it’s crucial to get it right. Not only does this article aim to guide you through the waiting period between bleaching and dyeing, but it also covers key topics like understanding your hair type, choosing the right products, and avoiding common mistakes. Your hair is an extension of your identity, and this comprehensive guide ensures you’re fully equipped to make the safest and most aesthetically pleasing choices.

How Long After Bleaching Hair Can You Dye It: The Standard Advice

The standard recommendation is to wait a minimum of two weeks before introducing dye into your freshly bleached hair. The reason? Bleaching your hair isn’t just a color lift; it’s an intensive chemical process that breaks down your hair follicles, leaving them vulnerable. Giving your hair a two-week break allows the follicles to recover somewhat, and minimizes the risk of further damage.

That said, if your hair feels robust and healthy post-bleaching, you might be able to shave a few days off that waiting period. Conversely, if you’ve recently dyed your hair, it’s advised to wait at least 6-10 weeks before bleaching again. The color deposits from the dye can react adversely with the bleach, causing further harm to your locks.

Know Your Hair Type Before You Leap

You wouldn’t buy shoes without knowing your size, so why bleach your hair without knowing its type? Understanding your hair’s porosity is crucial in making informed decisions about the bleaching and dyeing process. High-porosity hair tends to absorb moisture more easily, whereas low-porosity hair is more resistant to it. Knowing where you stand helps you choose the best bleaching products and techniques for your hair, and also informs how long you should wait before applying dye.

Picking the Right Bleaching Product: A Crucial Step

Once you’re convinced that your hair is ready for the next color change, your next step is to choose a suitable bleaching product. Your hair’s current condition and your desired end result should drive this decision. If your hair has seen better days, maybe opt for a less harsh product to mitigate damage. And always—always—do a patch test for allergies and read the instructions meticulously. For your safety, don gloves to prevent skin irritation while applying the bleach.

Pre-Treatment Rituals: Prepping for Success

Before diving into the bleaching and dyeing processes, it’s vital to prepare your hair adequately. This entails washing and deep-conditioning your hair, and even considering a heat protectant if you plan to style with heat tools afterward. Trimming off split ends before your hair undergoes chemical treatment can also be a game-changer. These seemingly minor steps could be the difference between fabulous and fried hair.

The Nitty-Gritty: Bleaching Application Process

Reading the instructions before applying bleach might seem like a no-brainer, but it’s surprising how many people skip this step. Equipped with gloves and in a well-ventilated area, begin sectioning your hair for bleach application. Your focus here should be on uniform coverage. Adhere strictly to the time guidelines on the package, and if your hair is frail, it’s wiser to err on the side of caution and rinse the bleach out a bit earlier.

After washing out the bleach, don’t skimp on a deep-conditioning treatment. This aids in restoring moisture and vitality to your hair, minimizing damage from the bleach.

Time to Dye? Here’s How to Decide

Before jumping into dyeing your hair, you’ll want to do a thorough health check on your locks. Your hair should feel strong and should not display excessive brittleness or dryness. If it does, it’s safer to wait a little longer before taking the color plunge.

Choose the Dye Wisely

When you’re finally ready to color your hair, scrutinize the ingredients list on the dye package. Steer clear of dyes that contain harsh chemicals like alcohol and ammonia. Opt for dye formulated especially for bleached hair—these are generally more nurturing and hydrating.

Dyeing: The Final Step

With clean, dry, and tangle-free hair, you’re ready to begin dyeing. Adhere to the instructions on your dye package rigorously, timing the process precisely. After dyeing, a deep-conditioning treatment is your best friend to lock in moisture and keep your hair healthy.

Post-Bleach Hair Care: Keeping Those Locks Lush

Post-bleaching maintenance is an ongoing process. Stick with deep-conditioning treatments and invest in a good moisturizing shampoo. Also, use a wide-toothed comb and avoid excessive heat styling to preserve the health of your hair. If you maintain these steps, you’re well on your way to maintaining beautiful, vibrant hair for weeks to come.

Common Pitfalls to Watch Out For

Even if you follow every instruction to a tee, mistakes can happen. Not considering your hair’s porosity can affect the results substantially. Also, the amounts matter—too little bleach and you won’t get the desired lightening; too much and you’re looking at considerable damage. Lastly, selecting a poorly formulated dye can lead to brittleness and breakage.

There you have it—a comprehensive guide to navigating the tricky terrain of bleaching and dyeing your hair. Each section has been designed to address specific concerns and steps in the process, ensuring you’re well-equipped to make informed choices for your hair. With the right approach and products, you can achieve the hair transformation of your dreams, safely and effectively.

Editorial Staff

Our writers, editors, content managers, and SEO specialist. We all take part in crafting amazing articles. We spend hours ensuring that each article is based on facts, researched, and thorough. You'll never want to click the back button to look for more answers other than here!